FC Barcelona acquires a rising star for a reduced fee

FC Barcelona have been offered a rising La Liga star for a reduced fee according to Sports Worldwhich cited anonymous sources.

Assane Diao is considered one of the main gems of Real Betis’s academy in recent years, and he has already made his first team debut under Manuel Pellegrini.

An impressive 28 games in all competitions followed for the 18-year-old, who scored four senior goals in 2023/2024.

In November, transfer market experts Sports witness reported that Premier League giants Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea were all close to signing the teenager who was born in Senegal but has a Spanish passport.

The same outlet said Betis were working to get Diao to sign a new contract, as his current release clause was set at “just” $32.1 million (€30 million).

More than Sports WorldHowever, the Catalan newspaper explains that the clause is worth half that amount, although Betis would indeed like Diao to agree to new terms which would see the fee doubled to €30m.

The fact that Diao was offered to Barça was also reported by Gerard Romero and his Jijantes media outlet, which further added that Blaugrana sporting director Deco is interested in Belgian right winger Johan Bakayoko who currently plies his trade for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Diao is also a winger, but he plays on the left flank which has been identified as an area of ​​the pitch where Barça needs reinforcements.

In 2023/2024 under Xavi Hernandez, Ferran Torres and Joao Felix failed to establish themselves.

Towards the end of the season, the now-dismissed Xavi opted for right winger Raphinha to fill the vacant position while Lamine Yamal flew up and down the opposite channel.

All players listed except Lamine now need to impress Xavi’s successor Hansi Flick on the left, and could face competition from Diao if Barca pursue their potential purchase.

This summer, Diao is almost certain to represent the Spanish U19 team at the European Championship in Northern Ireland from July 15-28, meaning he could miss at least a fortnight of pre-season, either with Betis or with new employers.